All parents want their children to have the best start in life. They want them to be healthy, have lots of friends, make the most of their time at school and ultimately lead happy and fulfilled lives. As parents we can't always protect our children from the challenges of the outside world - but there's a lot we can do to help them enter the big wide world as healthy and confident individuals. This invaluable guide for parents is divided into two parts. Childhood is about havng fun, but it's also the time when children need to learn how to grow confidently, and how to interact with others in a considerate manner. Part One will help you to: * Encourage your child's social and self-help skills * Manage your child's behaviour successfully * Promote your child's emotional wellbeing Too much fast food and a 'couch potato' lifestyle can present major health concerns for today's children but, as many parents are aware, encouraging healthy eating and exercise in children is often difficult. Part Two starts with the stages of development from birth through to adolescence and shows you how to: * Produce healthy balanced meals * Minimise the risks of allergies and intolerances * Avoid unhealthy foods AUTHOR BIOG: Allison Lee has worked as a childcare practitioner for over fifteen years. She has written over ten books and distance learning courses, which she also tutors, regarding all aspects of child care. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband of twenty one years and has two teenage sons. CONTENTS: Part One- How to Grow Confident, Sociable Kids1. Family values2. What kind of parent are you?3. Factors influencing children's behaviour4. Why do I need to manage my child's behaviour?5. Behaviour inside the home6. Behaviour outside the home7. Encouraging positive behaviour8. Responding to unwanted behaviour9. Exploring feelings10. Social skills11. Tackling bulliesPart Two- How to Grow Healthy Kids12. The principles of nutrition13. The principles of fitness14. Meal planning15. Safety in the kitchen16. Your child during their first year17. Your child aged one to three years18. Your child aged three to five years19. Your child aged six to twelve years20. Your teenager21. Food allergies and intolerances22. Nutrition through illness23. Unhealthy foods24. Snacking25. Overweight children26. Fussy eaters27. Organic food v conventional food28. School meals or packed lunches?29. Five a day30. Vegetarian diets31. Recipes for childrenUseful addresses and websites.